'Pecuniary fine' to conscientious objector conveyed to jurisdiction
SİİRT (DİHA) - The National Defense Ministry imposed "pecuniary fine" to conscientious objector and İHD Siirt Branch Head Zana Aksu on grounds of "being draft evader".
The National Defense Ministry Military Branch Headship imposed "pecuniary fine" to conscientious objector and Human Rights Association (İHD) Siirt Branch Head Zana Aksu on grounds of "being draft evader". Human rights defender Aksu was fined for 120 Turkish lira.
'Not draft evader, but conscientious objector'
Aksu objected to Siirt 1st Penal Court of Peace, noting he can not pay it. Aksu underlined that he was not a draft evader, but a conscientious objector. "I am not signing any documents on the checkpoints. The right to conscientious objection has already been given in lots of countries across the world," added Aksu.
The human rights defender criticized Turkey, "The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) convicted Turkey on conscientious objection. But, Turkey has not legalized this yet. We have no necessity to pay or recruit in army. Conscientious objection is a fundamental right. It must be taken under constitutional assurance".
'Let those receiving a notification object'
The notification of fine is used a threat, said Aksu. "They are trying to send citizens to military with economical necessities. Let nobody afraid of such notifications. Let those receiving a notification object to the verdict. If we can mold public opinion, Turkey will have to meet this right," concluded Aksu.
(nt)
